Shows
Chess Not CheckersRob Brewster – Spokane’s Development LandscapeIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Rob Brewster, a seasoned developer known for revitalizing historic buildings in Spokane. Rob shares his journey through urban development, discussing the challenges of outdated zoning laws, navigating city approvals, and the balance between economic growth and community needs.The conversation also explores Spokane’s infrastructure, the future of housing affordability, and the opportunities for smarter, forward-thinking development. Rob offers candid insights into the obstacles and possibilities of shaping Spokane’s urban landscape, highlighting both the city’s potential and th...
2025-10-141h 09Chess Not CheckersMichael Cathcart – Balancing Growth, Housing, and Public Safety in SpokaneIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Spokane City Council Member Michael Cathcart to discuss local governance, development, and community engagement. Michael shares his journey into politics, insights on balancing urban growth with preserving Spokane’s character, and strategies for addressing affordable housing, homelessness, and public safety.
2025-10-071h 17Chess Not CheckersQ&A #6 – Navigating Life’s Challenges and Embracing FulfillmentIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien have a candid conversation about navigating life’s challenges and finding fulfillment. They discuss how adapting to change, embracing setbacks, and redefining success can help both entrepreneurs and everyday people thrive. Through personal stories and reflections, they highlight the importance of perseverance, meaningful relationships, and pursuing purpose in the face of uncertainty.
2025-09-301h 11Chess Not CheckersKristen Ward – From Music to Mastering Catering with The Ivory TableIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Kristen Ward, the creative force behind Spokane’s The Ivory Table Catering. Kristen shares her journey from aspiring musician and singer to running one of the city’s premier catering companies.She talks about how her early experiences in music and travel shaped her creativity, how a move to Spokane led her to discover a passion for food, and how an unexpected opportunity at a café sparked the birth of The Ivory Table. From there, she pivoted into high-end cater...
2025-09-231h 10Chess Not CheckersBlue Stiley – Navigating Life with Confidence and ResilienceOn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Blue Stiley, Spokane native, international model, motivational speaker, and black belt in karate, to talk about navigating life’s challenges with confidence, resilience, and perspective.Blue shares how mentorship, self-reflection, and building a “confidence team” have helped him turn rejection and failure into opportunities for growth. From lessons learned in martial arts to life experiences in business and personal development, he dives into practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and staying motivated.The conversation also explor...
2025-09-161h 19Chess Not CheckersBrynn MacLennan – Making Flossing Easy and Building a Business That LastsIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Brynn MacLennan, CEO and co-founder of Slate, to talk about her journey building an electric flosser that makes oral care simple, effective, and dentist-approved.Brynn shares the story of how Slate started, from early ideation in 2019 to launching the product in 2022, and the challenges of scaling a consumer product business. She dives into lessons learned about innovation, leadership, team culture, and navigating unexpected hurdles like COVID-19.This conversation isn’t just about floss—it’s...
2025-09-091h 10Chess Not CheckersRick Welliver – Empowering Spokane’s Youth Through Boxing and CommunityIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Spokane native and professional boxer Rick Welliver to talk about the power of boxing, community, and giving back. Rick shares his journey from 17 pro fights to opening his own gym, and how he’s using the sport to mentor Spokane’s youth and bring people together.From reviving Spokane’s boxing scene to creating a space where young people can build confidence, discipline, and resilience, Rick shows that boxing is about much more than what happens in the ring...
2025-09-021h 13Chess Not CheckersBrennon Poynor – Making Podcasting Accessible: The Story of Spokast!In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith and Jordan sit down with Brennon Poynor, owner of Spokast!, to talk all things podcasting. Brennon shares how he started Spokast! during the podcasting boom of COVID, helping people launch their own shows with ease.They dive into the challenges of producing a podcast—from booking guests to managing tech—while keeping the focus on great conversations. Brennon also talks about why some podcasts thrive while others fizzle, and how Spokast! helps creators stay consistent and grow.Whether you’re curious about starting your own show or just want a behind-the-scenes look a...
2025-08-261h 04Chess Not CheckersLuc Jasmin – Building Community and Bridging Policy in SpokaneIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Luc Jasmin to talk community, policy, and the challenges shaping Spokane today. Luc shares his journey from Boston to becoming a first-generation Haitian American leader in the Pacific Northwest, and how he got into politics through early childhood education advocacy.They dive into the realities of housing, workforce, and regional development, and how creative, collaborative solutions can make a real difference. Luc also shares how government can better meet community needs and the power of building consensus to drive...
2025-08-191h 06Chess Not CheckersSteve Jones – From Car Sales to Real Estate Success: The Power of PersistenceIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Steve Jones, a seasoned real estate pro from Spokane. Steve shares his journey, from his early days in the car business to flipping houses and managing multifamily projects. He talks about the real-world challenges of real estate—unexpected delays, rising costs, and the importance of persistence. Steve also breaks down the difference between speculation and true investment, offering insights into Spokane’s up-and-coming neighborhoods and what it takes to succeed in the business.If you’re looking to get into real e...
2025-08-121h 13Chess Not CheckersQ&A #5 – Overcoming Adversity with ResilienceIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien share a candid conversation about the real-world challenges every entrepreneur faces. They explore Jordan’s personal journey, from dealing with a ruptured Achilles injury to facing the aftermath of some tough headlines about his business dealings. Through these struggles, their conversation uncovers how resilience and perseverance play a pivotal role in moving forward.
2025-08-051h 21Chess Not CheckersMindset Over Methods – A Solo Episode with Keith RiddleIn this solo episode of Chest Not Checkers, Keith Riddle takes over the mic to talk about the importance of mindset and how it drives success in both life and business. He shares why asking the right questions—like “why” instead of “how”—can make all the difference. Keith dives into how fear can hold us back from taking action and offers three steps to start making positive changes in your life.If you’ve been looking for some inspiration to shift your mindset and take that next step, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how to navigate fe...
2025-07-291h 05Chess Not CheckersShawn Lloyd – From Struggles to Success: The Power of Authentic ConnectionsIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Shawn Lloyd, the founder of rConnect, about building real, meaningful connections in business and life. Shawn shares his journey, from growing up in Spokane to creating a platform where people can come together to learn, grow, and support each other.He talks about how his early challenges, including being labeled a “special education” student, helped shape his mindset and drive. Shawn also explains how his organization focuses on fostering community, mentorship, and relationships—helping individuals and businesses grow together.
2025-07-221h 31Chess Not CheckersEvan Moore – Making College Choices Easier with Real FrequencyIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Evan Moore, founder of Real Frequency, about how college consulting helps students find the right fit for their higher education journey. Evan shares his personal path to consulting, how his experiences shaped Real Frequency, and why it’s all about matching students with schools that fit them socially, culturally, and academically.He dives into how his team helps families understand the full cost of college—tuition, scholarships, financial aid—and how important it is for students to find a school...
2025-07-151h 29Chess Not CheckersJim Orcutt – From Construction to Real Estate: Lessons in Growth and ResilienceIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Jim Orcutt, a local real estate pro, about his journey from Spokane to becoming a successful investor and entrepreneur. Jim talks about how his start in construction and finance led him to real estate, and how a mentor in Seattle helped shape his approach to property investing.Jim shares his experience buying small multifamily properties in Spokane and how he learned that owning real estate, rather than just brokering deals, was the key to success. He also talks about...
2025-07-081h 16Chess Not CheckersClarisa Morris aka “Bicep Babe” – Overcoming Obstacles: The Path to Becoming an American Ninja WarriorIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Clarisa Morris, aka “Bicep Babe”, a four-time competitor on American Ninja Warrior. Clarisa shares her unexpected journey into the world of ninja competitions, from growing up as a gymnast to rediscovering her love for fitness after college and motherhood. She opens up about how her first experience on the show didn’t go as planned, but how it taught her the importance of shifting her mindset from self-doubt to confidence.Clarisa talks about how she balances weight...
2025-06-3059 minChess Not CheckersBill Kalivas – The Power of Mentorship and Community in Building Spokane’s Innovation SceneIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Bill Kalivas, the man behind Launchpad INW. Bill shares his journey from spotting Spokane’s untapped tech potential to building Launchpad into a key resource for local entrepreneurs.Bill discusses his early days, the co-founding of Launchpad, and how a small event evolved into a thriving community of innovators. He’s open about the struggles—financial hurdles, personal setbacks, and the mistakes he made along the way. But those challenges helped him grow and understand the importance of mentorship, having...
2025-06-241h 20Chess Not CheckersJuli Norris – A Culinary Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and SuccessIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Juli Norris, a Spokane-based restaurateur, consultant, and chef. Juli shares her journey from growing up on a ranch in North Spokane to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the food industry.Juli’s passion for food was sparked by a trip to Nashville, where she discovered the world of gourmet dining. From there, she dove into culinary education while balancing life as a busy mom. In 2006, she launched Simply Gourmet, a catering company, and later expanded with Casa Restaurant and Ta...
2025-06-1757 minChess Not CheckersBobby Brett – Shaping Spokane’s Sports and Real Estate LandscapeIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Bobby Brett, a man whose journey spans the worlds of sports and real estate. Bobby shares his story, from growing up in a sports-driven family to his transition into a real estate mogul and sports team owner in Spokane, Washington.Bobby’s passion for baseball runs deep, and after his playing days ended, he turned his attention to real estate, building a successful career that helped shape Spokane’s landscape. In 1985, Bobby took a bold leap by purchasing a mi...
2025-06-101h 03Chess Not CheckersQ&A #4 – Embracing AI: Navigating Change and Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced WorldIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien dive into the world of AI and how it’s changing the way we live and work. They talk about balancing the excitement of new technology with the need to stay grounded and human-centered.They touch on the shift in consumer expectations, especially in real estate, and how tools like Fyxer are helping streamline tasks to free up time for more important work. The conversation explores how AI can help with productivity, but Keith and Jordan agree that it can’t repl...
2025-06-0358 minChess Not CheckersTom Simpson – Building Spokane’s Startup Ecosystem and CultureIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Tom Simpson, a key figure in Spokane’s entrepreneurial community, to discuss his journey and insights into the local startup ecosystem. Tom, a Spokane native, shares his experiences—from his educational path at the University of Washington and Wharton to his return to Spokane in 1995, where he became a driving force in local entrepreneurship.As CEO of Ignite Northwest, President of the Spokane Angel Alliance, and Managing Member of the Kickstart CCF Fund, Tom has dedicated his career to f...
2025-05-2759 minChess Not CheckersJason Boudreau – From Turkey Dogs to TriumphIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with entrepreneur Jason Boudreau to discuss his incredible journey from personal hardship to building a successful business empire. Jason shares how he went from struggling on a friend’s couch to running Drive 509, a trucking school, and developing a software solution that has transformed the CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) training industry.Jason offers insight into his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failure. He discusses the challenges he faced in star...
2025-05-131h 08Chess Not CheckersJonathan Bingle – Building a Better Spokane Through Collaboration and LeadershipIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Spokane City Council Member Jonathan Bingle to discuss his role in local governance and his vision for the future of Spokane. Jonathan opens up about the challenges and opportunities he faces while working to improve the city, including issues like homelessness, housing, and public safety.Jonathan provides a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a city council member, balancing family responsibilities with the demands of managing a $1.2 billion budget and serving on 11 boards and commissions. He shares his...
2025-05-061h 10Chess Not CheckersQ&A #3 – Economic Uncertainty, Personal Growth, and ResilienceIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien dive into the dual realities of economic uncertainties and personal growth. They explore the complexities of today’s market—discussing tariffs, interest rates, and recession fears—while weaving in life lessons that resonate far beyond financial markets. The conversation delves into the concept of stagflation, a state of high inflation, high unemployment, and stagnating productivity, drawing a parallel to life’s unpredictable challenges. Keith and Jordan encourage listeners to reframe these obstacles as opportunities for personal growth, stressing the importance of perseverance and adap...
2025-04-291h 14Chess Not CheckersReed Moore – Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, and the Value of PersistenceIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Reed Moore, a successful entrepreneur and real estate expert. Reed shares his journey from military service to building a thriving real estate empire with RMG Real Estate. He discusses the importance of personal development, resilience, and learning from failure, highlighting how these lessons shaped his entrepreneurial path.Reed also talks about the challenges of scaling a business, managing a growing team, and creating a culture that prioritizes both skill development and strong relationships. He touches on key topics...
2025-04-221h 46Chess Not CheckersMark Lupton - Crafting Financial Strategies and Guiding Entrepreneurial GrowthIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Mark Lupton, a seasoned financial advisor and entrepreneur from Spokane. Mark shares his journey into financial planning, offering insights into the importance of saving early and regularly. He discusses the power of compound growth, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the importance of mentorship in navigating the early years of business.Mark also explores the challenges of leading a team and creating a strong office culture, emphasizing the balance between technical skills and interpersonal relationships in business. The conversation...
2025-04-151h 34Chess Not CheckersBobby Enslow - Brewing Community and Building Entrepreneurial SuccessIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Bobby Enslow, the founder of Inaba Coffee, to discuss his journey of building a community-driven coffee business in Spokane. Bobby shares how his entrepreneurial path began with a deep commitment to community, not coffee, and how he turned a modest $10,000 investment into a thriving local hub. Despite initial setbacks and a steep learning curve, Bobby’s perseverance and focus on quality and customer experience transformed Inaba Coffee into a staple in Spokane’s entrepreneurial landscape.Bobby reflects on the...
2025-04-081h 23Chess Not CheckersAnton Stetner - Mastering Real Estate and Shaping the Digital FrontierIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Anton Stetner, a prominent real estate developer and YouTube personality, to explore the intricacies of real estate and development. Anton shares his journey from real estate to online success, highlighting the importance of consistency and hustle in building a digital presence.The conversation delves into the complexities of urban development legislation, including the Annual Growth Act and the challenges of balancing regulation with affordable housing. Anton also emphasizes the significance of political involvement in real estate, explaining how...
2025-04-011h 22Chess Not CheckersQ&A #2 - Navigating Historic Renovations and Market Shifts with Keith and JordanIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Jordan Tampien and Keith Riddle discuss podcasting misconceptions and dive into real estate development. They explore the challenges of renovating historic buildings like the Peyton Building, the future of the real estate market, and how technological advancements, including AI, are shaping the industry. The conversation touches on the broader economic shifts and the importance of adapting to change in both real estate and digital media.
2025-03-2557 minChess Not CheckersJordan Allen – Bridging the Gap with BuyWander’s Vision for Sustainable ResaleIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Jordan Allen, the founder of BuyWander, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the creation of his innovative company. BuyWander emerged from a simple realization: countless quality items were being returned to retailers every day, many of which had little to no flaws. Jordan saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between savvy shoppers and these nearly-new items, creating a win-win situation for both the environment and customers.Jordan shares how BuyWander helps to streamline the return process by...
2025-03-181h 03Chess Not CheckersLeigh Veidman – Leading Spokane Velocity with Resilience and PurposeIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Jordan Tampien and Keith Riddle sit down with Leigh Veidman, head coach of Spokane Velocity, to discuss his journey from Liverpool to Spokane and how he built a successful soccer team. Leigh shares how his resilience, self-reflection, and experiences overcoming adversity shaped his leadership style. They explore his coaching philosophy, which focuses on recruiting players based on character as well as skill, and how he’s building a strong, community-driven team. They also discuss Leigh’s vision for Spokane Velocity, from establishing an on-field identity to aiming for championship contention in the...
2025-03-111h 04Chess Not CheckersBrooke Baker – Building a Legacy in Construction and CommunityIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Jordan Tampien and Keith Riddle sit down with Brooke Baker, CEO of Baker Construction and Development, to discuss her journey from insurance to leading her family’s third-generation construction business. Brooke shares how her passion for development, resilience, and mentorship helped her transition into the male-dominated construction industry. They explore the challenges of building strong teams, adapting to market changes, and balancing personal life with professional growth. Brooke also talks about her commitment to community and her optimistic vision for Spokane’s future.
2025-03-041h 13Chess Not CheckersDavid Condon – Building a Thriving City with Visionary LeadershipIn this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Jordan Tampien and Keith Riddle sit down with former Spokane Mayor David Condon to discuss his leadership journey and life after politics. David shares how his unexpected decision to run for mayor shaped the city’s development, focusing on key initiatives like improving education and infrastructure. They explore his approach to balancing growth with affordability, the challenges of housing, and the importance of collaboration in creating a thriving community. David also opens up about his life beyond politics, reflecting on family dynamics and how he navigates personal and professional growth.
2025-02-241h 08Chess Not CheckersQ&A #1 - Navigating Real Estate Development with Keith and JordanIn Q&A Episode #1 of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Jordan Tampien and Keith Riddle take a deep dive into the complexities of real estate development. They discuss the behind-the-scenes process of projects like the Garland development, sharing the challenges of zoning laws, delays, and the rewards of transforming neighborhoods.
2025-02-181h 08Chess Not CheckersJoel Barbour – Crafting a Legacy Through Innovation and BalanceIn this episode ofChess Not Checkers, hosts Jordan Tampien and Keith Riddle sit down with Joel Barbour, co-founder of The Great Pacific Northwest (PNW), to discuss his journey from graphic designer to multi-business entrepreneur. Joel shares how his creative passion, strategic thinking, and adaptability helped him build successful ventures across different industries, from branding to real estate. They explore the challenges of balancing multiple businesses, the importance of staying true to your values, and how to find harmony between professional success and personal life.00:00 – Welcome ‘Joel Barbour’00:49 – How We Met02:46 – Joel Barbo...
2025-02-111h 26Chess Not CheckersTyler Lafferty – Navigating Change and Cultivating GrowthIn this episode ofChess Not Checkers, hosts Jordan Tampien and Keith Riddle sit down with local Spokane entrepreneur Tyler Lafferty. Tyler shares his journey from managing websites in the early days of the internet to co-founding a successful digital marketing agency, 7 Two Interactive. He discusses the challenges of staying relevant in a constantly evolving industry, the importance of community involvement, and how his passion for education led to the creation of his nonprofit, Slingshot.00:00 – Intro00:52 – Tyler’s Background and Spokane Roots01:55 – Early Career and Digital Marketing Journey03:04 – Founding Seven2 and...
2025-02-041h 23Chess Not CheckersJordan Tampien – Building Businesses with Purpose and ImpactIn the second episode of Chess Not Checkers, co-hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien explore Jordan’s entrepreneurial journey, from his roots in Moses Lake to his ventures in Spokane. Jordan shares how his early experiences and mindset led him from traditional career paths to owning several businesses, including real estate and a photography business. He discusses the importance of taking calculated risks, making strategic investments, and finding ways to impact his community through ventures like Brick West Brewery and a local professional soccer team.
Chess Not Checkers is all about playing the long ga...
2025-01-281h 04Chess Not CheckersKeith Riddle – Mastering the Long GameIn the first episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Jordan Tampien and Keith Riddle dive into Keith’s journey from a new real estate agent to a seasoned entrepreneur. Keith shares how curiosity, calculated risks, and a mix of engineering principles helped him grow both in business and personally. They discuss shifts in the real estate industry, the mindset it takes to push through challenges, and the importance of thinking long-term.
Chess Not Checkers is a podcast all about playing the long game in both business and life, exploring how strategic thinking, patience, and cal...
2025-01-211h 26Chess Not CheckersIntroducing Chess Not Checkers, hosted by Jordan Tampien & Keith RiddleWelcome to Chess Not Checkers, the podcast that teaches you how to play the long game in both business and life. Hosted by Jordan Tampien and Keith Riddle, we dive deep into strategic thinking, exploring how the best minds think several steps ahead. Each episode features guests from a variety of fields — real estate, business, health, wealth, and more — who share their stories and the unique mindset that’s propelled their success. Whether you’re building, growing, or establishing your business, this show offers valuable insights to help you think smarter and act with purpose. Subscribe now and join us for t...
2025-01-1401 min